To help determine why HIV infection rates still remain high among gay and bisexual men -- the demographic group hardest hit by HIV in the United States and other Western nations -- researchers in Seattle recently analyzed survey data from more than 400 gay men, 32 of whom were recently infected. The analysis, reported in the American Journal of Public Health,, shows that unprotected casual sex continues to be strongly linked with HIV transmission, particularly when meeting partners at bathhouses, sex clubs, bars, clubs, or online. Crystal meth use was walso strongly linked with an increase in unsafe sex and heightened HIV risk. Newer, better efforts to promote condom use in venues where gay men meet are needed to help encourage safer behaviors between casual sex partners, the researchers conclude.
